Bob discusses the installation of the Anderson skylights. The framing is adjusted to accommodate the openings and the windows are attached.

Bob and Chris Vila meet Dino Koukoudakis from Dino's Construction who is installing a custom rectangular skylight from Wasco. This four-by-six foot argon-filled, low-e coated skylight comes ready to mount from the factory. Taking a look at the opening from below, Bob and Chris point out how the natural light provided by the skylight opens up the bedroom to natural light, giving the space a larger look and feel.

Bob flashed back to the installation of the new roof. First the crew removed the old layers of roofing material from the barn. Next they added a layer of Louisiana Pacific oriented strand board (OSB) over the original sheathing. It's manufactured with thin wafers of wood, resins and wax compressed under intense heat. When used as roof sheathing it's extremely resistant to moisture damage. Then they stapled down a layer of felt paper and marked with chalk lines to lay out the courses of asphalt shingles. Since these are double layer shingles, they're fastened along the pre-marked white line to assure that both layers are attached to the roof. Frames for the Velux VSE skylights were installed. These vented skylights will be operated with a hand-held remote. Copper step flashing is added to the side of the skylights and the asphalt roof shingles are fastened up to it.

The adjustable design of these skylights allows them to fit into tight spaces, and around difficult framing. The domed cap uses prisms to maximise the effects of the reflected light along the aluminum shaft. It's easy to install with just a few common tools.

Bob meets with Ryley, the carpenter, and installs a Velux skylight on a curb mount. Ryley discribes the mounting hardware and screws used to mount the window and Bob explains how the shingles will be applied once the roof is completed. Bob also demonstrates flexibilty of the window design which includes a collapsable balcony.

Bob interviews drywall contractor Mark Richardson, as he hangs drywall inside a skylight and attaches the corner bead, then applies a filler coat of Dura-Bond.

Bob joins Charlie on the third floor of the Medford house where he's installing an ODL tubular skylight. It's a pretty simple do-it-yourself project. You just cut a hole in the roof and assemble the parts. So far Charlie has made the hole in the roof and installed the flange that sits on top of the roof. It's one piece so there is little chance of water coming through and there is no step flashing involved. Next he installs the reflective tubing through the flange and attaches the solar lens within an acrylic bubble that tops it. He then attaches the tubing that goes through the attic space and tapes the pieces together with reflective tape. The 14-inch diameter tubing is articulated so that it can bend a bit to adjust for framing elements that might be in the way. Charlie has already cut a plywood collar for the tubing which will screw onto the drywall. When the ceiling is plastered he'll finish the job - attaching the interior flange and the trim kit - creating the appearance of a light fixture - only without electricity.

Bob and roofer Paul Morris start by cutting a rough opening in the roof and laying a weather shield. The skylight is mounted into place and the flashing is applied. Bob then assists in laying the new asphalt-shingles.

Bob Works on the installation of a Velux roof window installed in a metal shingle standing seam roof with Wayne Quarles.

Bob visits with John Druley of Quaker Homes in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Druley is developing a parcel of land in Falmouth that will have eight homes, two of them affordable for families earing a modest income. Bob and Druley discuss the reality of housing in Falmouth, where one-acre building lots are required for new housing. A lot, Druley explains, will sell for around $300,000 with no construction. For this development, Druley has invoked Massachusetts' Act 40B to gain relief from zoning restrictions such as the one-acre minimum lot size. In return, Druley must make 20 percent of the homes available as affordable homes, for those earning up to 80 percent of the area's median income. The lots are 10,000 sqaure feet with a 40-foot setback from the road, 10-foot sidelines, and a 45 to 50-foot backyard. The homes are 1,800-square-foot Capes with attached garages, clad in white cedar shingles, with skylights, architectural-style roof shingles, and no-maintenance, energy-efficient vinyl windows. Druley explains that the affordable and market-priced homes must be indistinguisable in design, materials, and layout. The state assigns a 40B auditor to monitor the project and assure that no corners are cut on the affordable homes, and that the developer earns no more than 20 percent profit from the development. Druley explains that the market-priced homes in the neighborhood will sell for between $375,000 and $400,000, which will help offset the $119,900 selling price for the affordable homes.